The ongoing M62 travel chaos has been a source of annoyance for thousands of drivers over the weekend. However, staff at a Greater Manchester pub have found humour in the situation with a sweary sign.
The motorway near Rochdale has been closed in both directions since Friday evening to facilitate the installation of a new railway bridge, causing ‘gridlock’ on surrounding roads as drivers try to navigate the closures. As traffic crawled past the Crown Inn in Middleton on Sunday afternoon, landlord Kallum Nolan seized the chance to mock the lengthy delays, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A sign outside the Rochdale Road pub read: “F*** the M62. Have a pint.”
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Mr Nolan explained it was just a bit of fun, adding that he put up the sign after seeing the road outside his pub resemble a car park. He said that while the traffic chaos wasn’t making them any money, it was costing them on their water bill due to people coming in to use the toilet.
(Image: National Rail / SWNS)
Despite the inconvenience, he believes everyone needs a laugh, even if they’re stuck in traffic. The eastbound carriageway of the M62 is currently closed from junction 18 at Simister Island to junction 20 at Rochdale, and the westbound carriageway is shut between junction 19 at Heywood and junction 20.
The motorway was expected to reopen at 6am today (Monday). The last closure of the M62 two weeks ago also resulted in significant tailbacks and congestion.
This development is part of Network Rail’s £22m project to replace a railway bridge in Castleton, which carries trains over the M62 between Manchester and Rochdale.